Methods for configuring expandable devices

Abstract

The present invention pertains to a stiffened balloon which can be used in angioplasty, endovascular, and valvuloplasty procedures or as a delivery balloon to deliver a stent or a stent-graft. Longitudinally discontinuous stiffening members connected to the expandable balloon stiffen the balloon but allow it to be navigated through curved passages. Projections on the stiffening members may engage, incise, crush, fracture, or pierce occlusions or retain a stent or stent-graft. Radio-opaque portions may be referenced to determine orientation. Longitudinally continuous stiffening members bearing projections and connected to the balloon perform in a similar manner.

1 - 48 . (canceled) 
     
     
         49 . A stiffened balloon apparatus for use within an anatomic passage comprising: an expandable balloon comprised of a flexible material having one or more longitudinal stiffening members attached to said balloon, said stiffening members being comprised of a material less flexible than that of said balloon material and disposed at a perimeter thereof, wherein at least a portion of one of said stiffening members is radio-opaque to facilitate determination of the position of the balloon. 
     
     
         50 . The stiffened balloon apparatus of  claim 49  wherein the radio-opaque portion of said stiffening member permits a precise determination of an orientation of said balloon. 
     
     
         51 . The stiffened balloon apparatus of  claim 49  wherein only one of the stiffening members includes a radio-opaque portion. 
     
     
         52 . The stiffened balloon apparatus of  claim 49  wherein said radio-opaque portion comprises an end of said stiffening member. 
     
     
         53 . The stiffened balloon apparatus of  claim 49  wherein said stiffening member has multiple radio-opaque portions. 
     
     
         54 . The stiffened balloon apparatus of  claim 49  wherein said stiffening member is radio-opaque along its entire length. 
     
     
         55 . The stiffened balloon apparatus of  claim 49  wherein said stiffening member includes a projection. 
     
     
         56 . The stiffened balloon apparatus of  claim 55  wherein said projection is sufficiently radio-opaque to permit a precise determination of an orientation of said balloon within an anatomical structure. 
     
     
         57 . The stiffened balloon apparatus of  claim 49  wherein at least one stiffening member is longitudinally discontinuous. 
     
     
         58 . The stiffened balloon apparatus of  claim 49  wherein at least one stiffening member is longitudinally continuous. 
     
     
         59 . The stiffened balloon apparatus of  claim 49  wherein said stiffening member is coextensive with the length of the cylindrical section of said balloon. 
     
     
         60 . The stiffened balloon apparatus of  claim 49  wherein said stiffening member is shorter than the length of the cylindrical section of said balloon. 
     
     
         61 . The stiffened balloon apparatus of  claim 49  wherein said radio-opaque portion comprises tungsten. 
     
     
         62 . The stiffened balloon apparatus of  claim 49  wherein said radio-opaque portion comprises barium or bismuth. 
     
     
         63 . The stiffened balloon apparatus of  claim 49  wherein said anatomic passage is a blood vessel. 
     
     
         64 . A system for determining the position and/or orientation of a stiffened balloon apparatus located in an anatomic passage, the system comprising:
 an expandable balloon comprised of a flexible material having one or more longitudinal stiffening members attached to said balloon, said stiffening members being comprised of a material less flexible than that of said balloon material and disposed at a perimeter thereof, wherein at least a portion of one of said stiffening members is radio-opaque to facilitate determination of the position of the balloon; and;   means for x-ray or other radiation imaging of said balloon to precisely locate the position and/or orientation of said radio-opaque portion of said stiffening member.